CCOF - State Organic Programhttps://www.ccof.org/tags-state-organic-program
enCOFFA Signed into Law with Your Helphttps://www.ccof.org/blog/coffa-signed-law-your-help
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>On Wednesday, September 21, <a href="/press/historic-update-california-state-organic-program-becomes-law-reducing-duplicative-paperwork">Governor Jerry Brown signed Assembly Bill (AB) 1826<span style="font-size: 13.008px;">–</span>the California Organic Food and Farming Act (COFFA)–into law</a>!</p>
<p>COFFA was sponsored by CCOF and authored by Assemblymember Mark Stone to streamline State Organic Program registration for thousands of organic farmers throughout California. The unwavering support of CCOF members helped COFFA sail through the California State Assembly and Senate with unanimous support in favor.</p>
<p>Passage of COFFA will:</p>
<ul><li>Eliminate duplicative paperwork for certified organic farmers by allowing accredited certifying agents like CCOF to complete registration on behalf of their clients.</li>
<li>Reduce or cap California State Organic Program fees.</li>
<li>Update the role of the California State Organic Program to support organic agriculture through education, outreach, and other programmatic activities.</li>
</ul><p><a href="/advocacy/california-organic-food-and-farming-act/thank-you-coffa-supporters">Thank you to all who support COFFA</a>. Your advocacy resulted in the passage of this important update to California’s state organic law, bringing about much-needed reform for the next era of growth in organic agriculture. For more information, visit <a href="/coffa">www.ccof.org/coffa</a>.</p>
<p>Let’s build on our momentum. You can support other organic initiatives by contributing to the <a href="/ccof-action-fund">CCOF Action Fund</a> today! Together, we can advance organic agriculture for a healthier world.</p>
<p>Thank you for all that you do!</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><h3 class="field-label">Tags: </h3><ul class="links inline"><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-0">policy</li><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-1">advocacy</li><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-2">State Organic Program</li></ul></div>Mon, 26 Sep 2016 22:38:13 +0000Kelly Damewood307306 at https://www.ccof.orgCalifornia Organic Advisory Committee to Meet September 7https://www.ccof.org/blog/california-organic-advisory-committee-meet-september-7
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>The California Organic Products Advisory Committee (COPAC) will meet this Wednesday, September 7, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. in Sacramento, California.</p>
<p>COPAC advises the California Secretary of Food and Agriculture on organic-related issues. The public is welcome to attend.</p>
<p>Items on the meeting agenda include:</p>
<ul><li>An update on the state’s pilot GMO testing program</li>
<li>A legislative update on the California Organic Food and Farming Act</li>
<li>An Organic Input Materials Program update</li>
<li>Animal welfare standards and the California State Veterinarian comments on them</li>
<li>An update on the organic checkoff program</li>
</ul><p>The meeting will be in Conference Room 101 at 2800 Gateway Oaks Drive, Sacramento.</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><h3 class="field-label">Tags: </h3><ul class="links inline"><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-0">policy</li><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-1">advocacy</li><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-2">State Organic Program</li></ul></div>Fri, 02 Sep 2016 15:42:32 +0000Jane Sooby307156 at https://www.ccof.orgCalifornia State Ag Board Seeks Public Input on Agriculture’s Futurehttps://www.ccof.org/blog/california-state-ag-board-seeks-public-input-agriculture%E2%80%99s-future
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>The California State Board of Food and Agriculture is now updating its strategic plan, Ag Vision, developed eight years ago for the state’s agriculture and food systems.</p>
<p><strong>An online survey is gathering public input into the plan through August 26</strong>. We encourage the organic community to participate in the survey so that the organic perspective is well-represented in the findings. <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CAAgVision" target="_blank">Share your thoughts and take the survey</a>!</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><h3 class="field-label">Tags: </h3><ul class="links inline"><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-0">policy</li><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-1">advocacy</li><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-2">State Organic Program</li></ul></div>Mon, 22 Aug 2016 22:56:21 +0000Jane Sooby307066 at https://www.ccof.orgCalifornia Organic Food and Farming Act – Track the Progress!https://www.ccof.org/blog/california-organic-food-and-farming-act-%E2%80%93-track-progress
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p><a href="/advocacy/california-organic-food-and-farming-act/coffa%E2%80%99s-legislative-history">Track the progress of the AB 1826—California Organic Food and Farming Act, AB 1826—and read the current bill language</a>.</p>
<p>AB 1826 is CCOF-sponsored legislation that was introduced by California Assemblymember Mark Stone (D-Monterey Bay) in February. The bill is currently in the California Senate Appropriations Committee, where it is scheduled to be heard August 1.</p>
<p>AB 1826 will:</p>
<ul><li>Eliminate duplicative paperwork for certified organic producers.</li>
<li>Reduce or cap California State Organic Program fees.</li>
<li>Update the role of the California State Organic Program to support organic agriculture through education, outreach, and other programmatic activities.</li>
</ul><p><a href="http://cqrcengage.com/ccof/app/write-a-letter?0&amp;engagementId=161693" target="_blank">Join more than 260 people and businesses who have publicly expressed support for the bill</a>.</p>
<p><a href="/advocacy/california-organic-food-and-farming-act/about-california-organic-food-and-farming-act">Learn more about AB 1826</a>.</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><h3 class="field-label">Tags: </h3><ul class="links inline"><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-0">policy</li><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-1">advocacy</li><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-2">State Organic Program</li></ul></div>Tue, 05 Jul 2016 18:56:39 +0000Jane Sooby305206 at https://www.ccof.orgSenate Ag Committee Moves AB 1826 Closer to Becoming Lawhttps://www.ccof.org/blog/senate-ag-committee-moves-ab-1826-closer-becoming-law
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>“The bill is out, congratulations.”</p>
<p>California state senator Cathleen Galgiani (D-Stockton), chair of the California Senate Committee on Agriculture, spoke these words as the committee voted AB 1826, the California Organic Food and Farming Act, out of committee on June 21. AB 1826 now heads to the California Senate Appropriations Committee.</p>
<p>CCOF-sponsored AB 1826, authored by Assemblymember Mark Stone (D-Monterey Bay), will reform California’s State Organic Program to eliminate redundant paperwork, reduce or cap program fees, and allow the program to support the organic sector through education, outreach, and other programmatic activities.</p>
<p>At the June 21 hearing, Assemblymember Stone introduced the bill to the committee, followed by CCOF Board of Directors Chairman Phil LaRocca and Executive Director/CEO Cathy Calfo who presented testimony on the importance of streamlining organic requirements in the state. Representatives from numerous organizations stood up to express support for the bill, including CalCAN, the Environmental Working Group, the California Farm Bureau Federation, the California League of Conservation Voters, and the Ecology Center.</p>
<p>The need for member support continues. <strong><a href="http://cqrcengage.com/ccof/app/write-a-letter?2&amp;engagementId=161693" target="_blank">Please sign a letter of support</a> that will automatically be delivered to your state senator</strong>. You can also choose to join the 250+ individuals and businesses that are publicly listed as supporters of the bill.</p>
<p><a href="/advocacy/california-organic-food-and-farming-act" target="_blank">Stay on top of the most recent legislative developments</a>.</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><h3 class="field-label">Tags: </h3><ul class="links inline"><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-0">policy</li><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-1">advocacy</li><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-2">State Organic Program</li></ul></div>Mon, 27 Jun 2016 18:13:20 +0000Jane Sooby304881 at https://www.ccof.orgState Organic Bill Clears California Assembly Floor, Moves to Senatehttps://www.ccof.org/blog/state-organic-bill-clears-california-assembly-floor-moves-senate
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>Due to overwhelming support from CCOF members, the California State Assembly voted to approve <a href="/advocacy/california-organic-food-and-farming-act">Assembly Bill (AB) 1826—the California Organic Food and Farming Act</a>—and forward it to the California Senate.</p>
<p>Please join the <a href="/advocacy/california-organic-food-and-farming-act/thank-you-coffa-supporters">235 individuals and businesses</a> who publicly support AB 1826. <a href="http://cqrcengage.com/ccof/app/write-a-letter?2&amp;engagementId=161693" target="_blank">Write your senator today</a> and show your support!</p>
<p>The bill is expected to be voted out of the California Senate Committee on Agriculture this week and then move to the Senate Committee on Appropriations.</p>
<p>The California Organic Food and Farming Act (AB 1826) will:</p>
<ul><li>Eliminate duplicative paperwork for certified organic producers</li>
<li>Reduce or cap California State Organic Program fees</li>
<li>Update the role of the California State Organic Program to support organic agriculture through education, outreach, and other programmatic activities</li>
</ul><p><em><strong><a href="http://cqrcengage.com/ccof/app/write-a-letter?2&amp;engagementId=161693" target="_blank">Act now</a>! Tell your senator to support AB 1826 and join the list of endorsers! </strong></em></p>
<p><a href="/advocacy/california-organic-food-and-farming-act/about-california-organic-food-and-farming-act">Learn more about COFFA and how you can get involved</a>.</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><h3 class="field-label">Tags: </h3><ul class="links inline"><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-0">policy</li><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-1">advocacy</li><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-2">State Organic Program</li></ul></div>Mon, 20 Jun 2016 18:49:10 +0000Kelly Damewood304581 at https://www.ccof.orgServe the Organic Community on the California Organic Products Advisory Committeehttps://www.ccof.org/blog/serve-organic-community-california-organic-products-advisory-committee
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>The California Organic Products Advisory Committee (COPAC) is a 15-member committee that advises the California Secretary of Agriculture on California’s State Organic Program’s enforcement activities. The members are made up of six producers (at least one producer of meat, fowl, fish, dairy products, or eggs); two processors; one wholesale distributor; two consumer representatives; one environmental representative; two technical representatives with scientific credentials related to agricultural chemicals, toxicology, or food science; and one retail representative. Each member on the committee also has an alternate that fits the same criteria, so there are a total of 30 member seats.</p>
<p>COPAC has several vacancies that need to be filled:</p>
<ul><li>3 producers</li>
<li>1 environmental representative</li>
<li>1 technical representative</li>
</ul><p>There are also 13 vacancies for alternate members:</p>
<ul><li>6 producer alternates</li>
<li>1 environmental representative alternate</li>
<li>2 technical representative alternates</li>
<li>2 consumer representative alternates</li>
<li>2 processor alternates</li>
</ul><p>Appointments for advisory committee positions will normally be for three years from the date of appointment. A member may serve for two consecutive terms.* After one year of absence from the committee a former member may reapply for other vacant seats and may be appointed. Some appointments may be made for 2 years to allow staggering of terms as needed.</p>
<p>All applicants must fulfill the position requirements explained in the <a href="/sites/default/files/Ag%20Code%202003.pdf" target="_blank">California Organic Products Act of 2003 code</a>, section 46003.</p>
<p>Interested in serving on COPAC? Review the requirements and complete the <a href="/file/copac-prospective-member-questionnaire">prospective member appointment questionnaire</a>. Return the questionnaire to Laurel Rudolph at <a href="mailto:laurel.rudolph@cdfa.ca.gov">laurel.rudolph@cdfa.ca.gov</a> or by mail to 1220 N Street, Sacramento, CA 95814.</p>
<p><em>*Commencing with the January, 2009 appointments. Term limits do not apply to alternate position. See August 18, 2009 COPAC minutes.</em></p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><h3 class="field-label">Tags: </h3><ul class="links inline"><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-0">policy</li><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-1">advocacy</li><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-2">State Organic Program</li></ul></div>Mon, 20 Jun 2016 18:25:32 +0000Rachel Witte304561 at https://www.ccof.orgOrganic Farming Bill Clears Assembly Appropriations Committeehttps://www.ccof.org/blog/organic-farming-bill-clears-assembly-appropriations-committee
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>A crucial milestone in the California Organic Food and Farming Act’s progress occurred on Friday, May 27, when the bill, AB 1826, was forwarded out of the Assembly Appropriations Committee. <span style="font-size: 13.008px; line-height: 20.0063px;">Chaired by Assemblymember Lorena Gonzalez, the Appropriations Committee is responsible for assessing the fiscal impact of all bills. Many CCOF members sent letters of support to Assemblymember Gonzalez and helped move the bill out of committee.</span></p>
<p style="font-size: 13.008px; line-height: 20.0063px;">The next stop for AB 1826 is the floor of the California Assembly. A vote may be scheduled as soon as Tuesday, May 31. Once it passes the Assembly, it will go before the state Senate.</p>
<p style="font-size: 13.008px; line-height: 20.0063px;">As AB 1826 moves forward, the need for supporters continues. <a href="http://cqrcengage.com/ccof/app/write-a-letter?2&amp;engagementId=161693" target="_blank">Sign a letter of support that will automatically be delivered to your state senator</a>. <a href="/advocacy/california-organic-food-and-farming-act/thank-you-coffa-supporters">You can also choose to be publicly listed as a supporter of the bill</a>.</p>
<div><span style="font-size: 13.008px; line-height: 1.538em;">The bill, introduced by Assemblymember Mark Stone (D-Monterey Bay), will streamline paperwork for certified organic producers by allowing USDA-accredited organic certifying agents to submit information about their clients directly to the state to complete their state registration; will cap or lower state fees; and will update the role of the State Organic Program to include education, outreach, and other programmatic activities.</span></div>
<p>CCOF sponsors AB 1826, which has so far <a href="/advocacy/california-organic-food-and-farming-act/thank-you-coffa-supporters">gained support from over 220 businesses and individuals</a>.</p>
<p><a href="/advocacy/california-organic-food-and-farming-act" style="font-size: 13.008px; line-height: 1.538em;">Stay on top of the most recent legislative developments and learn more about AB 1826</a><span style="font-size: 13.008px; line-height: 1.538em;">!</span></p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><h3 class="field-label">Tags: </h3><ul class="links inline"><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-0">policy</li><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-1">advocacy</li><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-2">State Organic Program</li></ul></div>Tue, 31 May 2016 18:04:06 +0000Jane Sooby303781 at https://www.ccof.orgCalifornia Organic Food and Farming Act Moves Forwardhttps://www.ccof.org/blog/california-organic-food-and-farming-act-moves-forward
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>CCOF-sponsored AB 1826—the California Organic Food and Farming Act (COFFA), authored by Assemblymember Mark Stone (D-Monterey Bay)—passed the California Assembly Agriculture Committee in a unanimous, bipartisan vote in favor of reducing fee and paperwork burdens on California’s organic producers.</p>
<p>COFFA is now moving through the Assembly Appropriations Committee. Once approved by Appropriations, it will go to a vote by the full California Assembly. Once it passes the Assembly, it moves into the California Senate Agricultural Committee and, ultimately, to the floor of the state senate. <a href="http://cqrcengage.com/ccof/app/write-a-letter?0&amp;engagementId=161693" target="_blank">Contact your state representative today and voice support for organic farmers</a>.</p>
<p>Over 200 people have already signed petitions and/or sent a letter to their state representatives voicing support for the bill. CCOF continues to gather signatures and letters because this support is persuasive to lawmakers. <a href="/advocacy/california-organic-food-and-farming-act/thank-you-coffa-supporters">See who supports the bill and read about the ways you can get involved</a>.</p>
<p>Earlier this year, Assemblymember Stone wrote and introduced the bill with sponsorship from CCOF. He presented the bill to the Assembly Agriculture Committee on April 20, 2016. CCOF’s Executive Director/CEO Cathy Calfo and CCOF-certified organic farmer Thaddeus Barsotti of Capay Organic spoke in favor of the legislation at the hearing, commenting on behalf of over 2,500 CCOF-certified organic producers and processors in California.</p>
<p>California’s organic producers submit annual fees and paperwork to the State Organic Program (SOP) that duplicate requirements mandated by USDA’s National Organic Program. California is the only state that imposes these requirements on its organic producers. COFFA will allow organic certifying agents to submit the fees and paperwork to the state on behalf of organic producers.</p>
<p>“AB 1826 levels the playing field for California’s certified organic farmers. Without this bill, we will continue to pay unfair fees and cope with dizzying paperwork mazes that operations in every other state don’t face,” explained Barsotti.</p>
<p>The bill will also update the role of the SOP by allowing the California Secretary of Agriculture and the SOP advisory committee to support organic agriculture through education, outreach, and other programmatic activities.</p>
<p><a href="/advocacy/california-organic-food-and-farming-act/about-california-organic-food-and-farming-act">Learn more and track the progress of the bill</a>.</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><h3 class="field-label">Tags: </h3><ul class="links inline"><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-0">policy</li><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-1">advocacy</li><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-2">State Organic Program</li></ul></div>Mon, 02 May 2016 17:59:16 +0000Jane Sooby302181 at https://www.ccof.orgJoin CCOF April 12 for Free Webinar on AB 1826, The California Organic Food and Farming Acthttps://www.ccof.org/blog/join-ccof-april-12-free-webinar-ab-1826-california-organic-food-and-farming-act
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>CCOF invites you to join an informational webinar on AB 1826—The California Organic Food and Farming Act (COFFA)—a bill introduced by California Assemblymember Mark Stone to level the playing field for California’s organic producers and update the role of the State Organic Program.</p>
<p>CCOF’s Executive Director/CEO Cathy Calfo, Policy Director Kelly Damewood, and guest presenters will be available to answer your questions about AB 1826 during a free webinar on Tuesday, April 12, from 10-11 a.m. PDT. Participants will learn about the bill and CCOF’s strategy to pass it. Plus, find out what you can do to help support the bill.</p>
<p><a href="https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4439684290423603716" target="_blank">Register for the free webinar</a>. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email that contains information about joining the webinar via phone or computer. You can also choose to add the meeting to your calendar.</p>
<p>Bring your questions and please <a href="https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4439684290423603716" target="_blank">join us</a> for this informative session!</p>
<p><a href="/advocacy/california-organic-food-and-farming-act">Learn more about COFFA</a>, including <a href="/advocacy/california-organic-food-and-farming-act/about-california-organic-food-and-farming-act">a side-by-side comparison of AB 1826 with current state organic law</a>.</p>
<p><a href="http://cqrcengage.com/ccof/app/write-a-letter?0&amp;engagementId=161693" target="_blank">Send your state representative a letter expressing your support for COFFA</a>.</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><h3 class="field-label">Tags: </h3><ul class="links inline"><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-0">policy</li><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-1">advocacy</li><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-2">State Organic Program</li><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-3">events</li></ul></div>Mon, 04 Apr 2016 18:40:23 +0000Jane Sooby300866 at https://www.ccof.org